Ray Bradbury has been quoted as saying, “I’m not in control of my muse. My muse does all the work.”

William S. Burroughs advised, “So cheat your landlord if you can and must, but do not try to shortchange the Muse. It cannot be done. You can’t fake quality.”

I know many writers shake their heads at the fanciful idea of a muse. They are motivated by the payment they expect for the work they produce. Some prop up bills to keep themselves writing.

That’s not me. And...